off the subject but accurate time for computer time

Len · March 2015

was wondering if anybody could suggest a program to keep computer clock accurate for use with J65

Thanks

Len WA7ZXZ

SteveM · March 2015

Windows has built-in NTP which is usually accurate to within 1mS. You just need to enable it.

Dan -- KC4GO · March 2015

for something a step above the NTP built in to Windows try this http://www.timesynctool.com/ it's what I'm using for WSPR and other timed modes.

DrTeeth · March 2015

I use Dimension 4 and have used Meinberg. I prefer the former as it is more configurable but both work very well.

Len · March 2015

thanks everyone and nice to hear from you again Guy hope all is well

Len

Al K0VM · March 2015

Dimension 4 works very well and is simple to setup

AL, K0VM

Stuart Woodcock · March 2015

Meinberg user here for JT modes, pretty much set and forget.

Walt - KZ1F · March 2015

I thought this was a really good question. I used to use Dimension 4 back in the 80's and early 90's before Windows had an NTP function. I saw on the Thinking Mans (Dimension 4) site they didn't reference NTP, which I am familiar with, rather SNTP (simplified network time protocol, which I never heard of). In googling the difference I found the following (from the Meinberg site)

"While a full featured NTP server or -client reaches a very high level of accuracy and avoids abrupt timesteps as much as possible by using different mathematical and statistical methods and smooth clock speed adjustments, SNTP can only be recommended for simple applications, where the requirements for accuracy and reliability are not too demanding."

DrTeeth · March 2015

All's well Len, tnx fer asking.

DrTeeth · March 2015

I used to use Meinberg, but could not find an easy way to configure it or even tell if it was working. Dimension 4 ticks all the boxes in that regard. The former also sets up a user account, which contained approx 120Mb of stuff after two months' of use.
SNTP is, I strongly suspect, more than adequate for ham use.

Paul_Mills · March 2015

Actually quite simple.
<https://www.meinbergglobal.com/english/sw/ntp-server-monitor.htm>

Duane N9DG · March 2015

Yes, and it is too bad that they don't make it easier to configure. I have been holding Windows XP and later version OS machines to within 1 sec with just a few registry tweaks for years now.

Never actually tried to see just how close the built-in w32time NTP service in Windows could keep a machine's clock. Chances are there is no need for any 3rd party NTP programs at all for what we normally do as amateurs.

Walt - KZ1F · March 2015

While I've never done the protocol that audibly sounds like a choir or very ethereal music that is used for EME and other sub noise floor communications, I suspect that requires very accurate time, perhaps sub ms. Again, never used it. But that aside, I agree Dimension 4 (or what comes with Windows) is likely more than adequate for ham use. I just use the WIndows timer using under the tab internet time and select nime-a.nist.gov. NIST, for those unfamiliar with it is National Institute for Science and Technology and they actually have an atomic clock and sponsor WWV, WWVH. An interesting question though, for those with the GPS feature, can SSDR set the system clock? GPS require incredibly accurate clocks and they transmit the time to the gps receiver which uses the exact time from multiple birds to 'triangulate' it's (the receivers) location in spacetime.

DrTeeth · March 2015

@ Paul
Looks like one has to d/l a separate program to configure Meinberg with a GUI. Thanks for the info.

Tim - W4TME · March 2015

The NTP runs as a service. There is a separate management console that only runs when you are curious about the hosts you are chiming off of and their stratum level.

off the subject but accurate time for computer time

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